Nigeria, Feb. 11 -- Two American lawmakers have introduced a bill to the US Congress, seeking to impose sanctions on Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Kano governor, for alleged violations of religious freedom.

The bill identifies Mr Kwankwaso, a former senator, defence minister, and presidential candidate, as one of the individuals contributing to systemic religious "persecution of Christians that has persisted" in Nigeria, furthering a narrative its sponsors claim, but which has been disputed by local and international observers.

The new bill seeks to require the US Secretary of State to impose a visa ban on Mr Kwankwaso, freeze his assets, and implement other targeted sanctions against him.

The proposed sanctions in the bill titled "Nigeria R...